The way Rex Ryan’s Jets always apply creative defensive pressure, breaking in a reassembled offensive line tonight might not be too appealing to the Giants and Eli Manning. A knee injury to David Baas and thumb surgery for David Diehl have sparked changes, with Jim Cordle moving in at center and rookie Justin Pugh getting his first start, at right tackle.

The new linemen, as all those who play offensive line for the Giants, understand priority No. 1 is protecting the franchise quarterback. Manning was once bloodied by the Jets in the preseason. Back in 2010, his helmet flew off after a hit by linebacker Calvin Pace and his forehead slammed into the facemask of safety Jim Leonhard, causing a nasty 3-inch laceration that needed 12 stitches to close. Manning, who took the blame for that hit, said his reconfigured offensive line hasn’t kept him up at night.

“I think you have to try to find the positives in everything when you’re moving guys around,’’ Manning said. “You want guys who are very versatile and can play different spots. Through the course of the season you’re going to have guys in and out a little bit. You’re going to have some injuries and guys are going to have to step in and fill those roles.

“We’re going to get a lot of work and I think it will be a great test for these guys. The Jets are a talented defense and show a number of looks and we’re all going to have to be on the same page in knowing who we’re blocking. Block the guys well, so we can run our offense successfully.’’

* The offensive numbers in the first two preseason games are grim: One touchdown, 0-for-6 in the red zone, 3.1 rushing yards per attempt, 49.2 pass-completion percentage, 10 sacks allowed. “You can’t just expect to come out and click on all cylinders,’’ right guard Chris Snee said. “We’ll fix it. It’s not panic time.” … This is the 45th consecutive year the Giants and Jets are meeting in the preseason. The Jets lead the series 23-20-1. This game, in case you didn’t know, is for the Snoopy Trophy, which actually does exist.